There were indications that Rivera, who has 608 career saves, might return as early as Wednesday for an exhibition against the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic team. But Rivera said there's no hurry. He pitched a simulated inning Sunday to prepare for live hitters in a game.

"I think that we are ready to do that," Rivera said.

There's also a chance that shortstop Derek Jeter, recovering from a broken ankle in last season's American League playoffs, could return Sunday for a exhibition game. He would be used as a designated hitter.

"He's doing well. He's progressing the way we want, so we'll see where he is this week," Girardi said, according to MLB.com.